More than 1,000 emergency responders are currently battling intense wildfires in eastern Germany as conditions continue to deteriorate, according to local authorities.
On Friday, firefighting teams remained deployed across wildfire zones in Thuringia and at the Gohrischheide forest area along the border between the states of Saxony and Brandenburg. Despite a slight overnight improvement in the Saalfeld Highlands of Thuringia, officials confirmed that the fires remain far from being contained.
In Gohrischheide, the situation remains particularly volatile. A regional spokesperson noted that strong winds are complicating containment efforts, frequently altering the fire’s path and making it difficult to assess the current size of the affected area. The blaze is also spreading near a former military training zone, raising additional concerns.
On Thursday, the district administration estimated the damaged forest area at around 200 hectares. However, firefighters on the ground later reported that the wildfire had scorched approximately 1,000 hectares by evening.
The number of emergency personnel involved in the firefighting operation has grown significantly. Over 500 responders from both Saxony and Brandenburg have been deployed, and reinforcements from Bavaria arrived overnight to support efforts in the Saalfeld Highlands.
According to Peter Lahn, spokesperson for the district administration office, 562 emergency workers are now on site, with more expected to join throughout the day.
The Bavarian teams are expected to remain in Thuringia until Sunday, supporting ongoing efforts to prevent the fires from spreading further amid unstable weather conditions.
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